The opening of the Christmas Carnival this evening will kick off the festivities in downtown Linden. The Chili Cookers Party, set from 7-10 p.m., will feature music from the T & D Project.

The carnival will resume Saturday. Arts and crafts and food vendors will be in downtown Linden from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The 'Poot-N-Scoot' run, walk and fun run will begin at 9 a.m. The ChiLLy Fest Cruise In Car Show, set to begin at 9 a.m. in the Papa's Foods parking lot, will go until 3 p.m.

The ChiLLy Fest Pageant will begin at 10 a.m. A "Gospel Explosion!" concert hosted by WVFG 107.5 will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Chili Cook Off will be judged at 11 a.m. and public serving will begin at noon.

The Christmas Parade of Lights will start at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks extravaganza will follow the parade.

ChiLLy Fest has earned several accolades during its short history, earning distinction from the Tuscaloosa News as a top event in West Alabama in 2009. In 2010, the event was named a top event in the South by Southern Living and a top event in December by Alabama Living and Alabama Events Magazine.